Frenchman Loïck Peyron is celebrating his record win in the transatlantic yacht race the Route de Rhum.

He beat the previous record for the solo journey from France to Guadeloupe by more than two hours.

The veteran racer spoke to euronews just after crossing the finishing line.

“What a great crossing,” he said. “I love crossings like that. We worked well as a team. The journey was good but there were a few moments when I had to work hard, especially at the beginning, when I had to get a head start and show our strength in this kind of boat. It is not easy, but the boat is absolutely fabulous. I was not really used to this kind of vessel, but it turned out well and I quickly rose to the challenge.”

Euronews asked if his experience paid off.

“Yes, I’m not too sure what experience matters,” he said. “Strangely, there are many factors, but it’s probably down to certain feelings: I don’t know why we do this or that, I don’t even think about it. I anticipate a bit, make the right movements. But everything’s not perfect; I spend my time making silly mistakes. But experience allows me to make fewer mistakes than others.”

Bad weather made the race difficult, but Peyron, who is described as one of our greatest living sailors, managed the crossing in seven days, 15 hours and eight minutes.